For Tennessee landowners and homesteaders, keeping pests like snakes, rats, and groundhogs under control is a year-round task. A standard .22 LR rifle can pose a ricochet risk in tight barns or near outbuildings, which is why the Henry Garden Gun Smoothbore Rifle was designed specifically for close-range pest management. Chambered in .22 LR with an 18.5-inch barrel and a 15-round magazine, this smoothbore platform offers a reliable, low-risk solution for varmint control and casual plinking across the Volunteer State.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Henry Garden Gun is a smoothbore rifle that fires .22 LR ammunition through a barrel without rifling, making it ideal for short-range pest control where over-penetration or ricochet is a concern. This model is designed for Tennessee homeowners, farmers, and ranchers who need a quiet, effective tool for dispatching snakes, rats, and other small pests around gardens, chicken coops, and outbuildings. It also suits recreational plinkers who enjoy shooting steel targets or tin cans at close distances without the risk of stray rounds traveling too far. While not intended for home defense, hunting larger game, or competition, the Garden Gun fills a specific niche for those who prioritize safety and reliability in a lightweight, easy-to-handle package.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (LR)
- Action: Lever-action with a smoothbore barrel
- Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
- Overall Length: Approximately 36.5 inches
- Weight: Roughly 5.5 pounds (unloaded)
- Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds (detachable magazine)
- Finish: Fixed black finish on barrel and receiver
- Stock: American walnut with a satin finish
- Sights: Brass bead front sight with a rear notch sight
- Safety: Half-cock hammer safety
- Receiver Material: Steel alloy with a black oxide coating
Feature Deep-Dive
The smoothbore barrel is the defining feature of the Henry Garden Gun, and it serves a practical purpose beyond simple design. Without rifling, the bullet does not spin, which limits its effective range to roughly 25 yards or less. This reduces the risk of a projectile traveling beyond your property line or ricocheting off hard surfaces, making it a safer choice for Tennessee properties with neighbors, livestock, or dense brush. The 18.5-inch barrel keeps the rifle compact enough to maneuver inside a barn or around garden beds without feeling unwieldy.
Henry Repeating Arms is known for their reliable lever-action mechanisms, and the Garden Gun is no exception. The lever cycles smoothly, feeding .22 LR rounds from a detachable 15-round magazine. This magazine is a departure from the traditional tubular magazine found on many Henry rifles, offering faster reloading and easier cleaning. The lever action itself is a proven design that has been trusted for generations, and the half-cock hammer safety provides an extra layer of security when carrying the rifle in the field.
The fixed black finish on the barrel and receiver is a practical choice for a working gun. It resists rust and wear from humidity, sweat, and light rain, which is important for Tennessee’s often muggy climate. The American walnut stock has a satin finish that provides a solid grip without being slippery, and the checkering on the forend and pistol grip helps maintain control during rapid fire. The overall weight of 5.5 pounds makes it easy to carry on a long walk around the property or to a shooting spot in the woods.
Sighting on the Garden Gun is straightforward with a brass bead front sight and a rear notch sight. These are adequate for the short ranges the smoothbore is designed for, and they are easy to pick up in low light conditions like dawn or dusk when pests are most active. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts if you prefer an optic, but the iron sights work well for most users. The trigger pull is clean and breaks at around 4 to 5 pounds, which is predictable for a lever-action rifle.
The 15-round magazine capacity is generous for a .22 LR rifle, allowing you to take multiple shots at a moving target without constant reloading. The magazine is easy to load by hand, and it locks into the receiver securely with a positive click. Henry’s reputation for customer service and quality control means that this rifle is built to last, with a steel receiver and internal components that are machined to tight tolerances. The smoothbore design also reduces fouling buildup compared to rifled barrels, making cleaning simpler after a long day of shooting.
One practical advantage of the Garden Gun is its compatibility with a wide range of .22 LR ammunition, including standard velocity, high velocity, and subsonic rounds. Subsonic ammunition is particularly useful for pest control, as it reduces noise and recoil, making the rifle even more pleasant to shoot. The smoothbore barrel does not require the same precise bullet stabilization as a rifled barrel, so it will cycle reliably with most brands of .22 LR ammo, including bulk packs that are commonly available at Tennessee retailers.
Ideal Use Cases
This rifle is best suited for pest control around Tennessee homes, farms, and rural properties. It is effective for dispatching snakes, rats, groundhogs, and other small animals that damage gardens or structures. The limited range and reduced ricochet risk make it a safe choice for shooting near buildings, fences, or livestock pens. Plinking at close range on a personal range or in a backyard setting is another natural use, as the smoothbore provides a fun challenge for shooters who want to practice without worrying about stray rounds. The Garden Gun is not recommended for hunting game larger than small varmints, self-defense, or competitive shooting, as its design is specialized for short-range, low-risk applications.
Compatibility Notes
- Ammunition: Accepts standard .22 LR, high velocity, and subsonic rounds. Avoid .22 Short, .22 Long, or .22 Magnum. Use lead or copper-plated bullets; avoid shotshells as they may not cycle reliably through the magazine.
- Magazines: Uses proprietary Henry detachable 15-round magazines. Spare magazines are available from Henry Repeating Arms and authorized dealers.
- Accessories: Receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts (weaver-style bases recommended). Sling swivel studs are included for attaching a sling. No holster is needed, as this is a rifle.
- Cleaning: Use standard .22 caliber cleaning rods and patches. Smoothbore cleaning is simpler than rifled barrels; a bore snake works well.
FAQ
1. Do you ship this Henry Garden Gun to a Tennessee address?
Yes, we ship to all Tennessee addresses where firearms are legal. We are an FFL dealer, and we will ship the rifle to your chosen FFL dealer in Tennessee for transfer. You can select your preferred local dealer during checkout. We do not ship directly to residential addresses.
2. How does the FFL transfer process work for Tennessee buyers?
After you place your order, we will contact your chosen FFL dealer to confirm they can accept the transfer. The rifle ships to that dealer via a licensed carrier. You then visit the dealer, complete a ATF Form 4473, and pass a NICS background check. Transfer fees are set by the receiving dealer and are not included in our price. Typical fees in Tennessee range from $20 to $40.
3. Is this rifle compatible with all .22 LR ammunition?
It is compatible with most .22 LR ammunition, including standard velocity, high velocity, and subsonic loads. We recommend avoiding .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Magnum, as they are not chambered for this rifle. Subsonic rounds work well for pest control and are quieter. Some bulk-pack ammunition with waxy coatings may cause light fouling, but the smoothbore barrel handles this better than rifled barrels.
4. What is the warranty on this Henry Garden Gun?
Henry Repeating Arms offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner. This covers defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, or improper ammunition. If you have an issue, you can contact Henry directly for service or return the rifle to us, and we will assist with the warranty claim. We recommend keeping your purchase receipt for warranty purposes.
5. What is your return policy for firearms?
All firearm sales are final due to federal regulations. We inspect each rifle before shipping to ensure it meets factory specifications. If your rifle arrives damaged or with a defect, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery, and we will work with Henry to resolve the issue. We do not accept returns for change of mind or if the rifle has been fired. For non-firearm accessories, standard return policies apply within 30 days.
Closing CTA
If you need a reliable, low-risk tool for pest control or backyard plinking, the Henry Garden Gun Smoothbore Rifle is a practical choice for Tennessee property owners. We ship to FFL dealers across the state with fast processing and transparent communication. Browse our inventory or add this rifle to your cart to get it transferred to your local dealer in Tennessee.
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